The following evening Wally showed up and I pulled two out cold ones. We catched up on old times and current events.
"So hows the recruiting business working out"?
"We just got a large quota issued for the current fiscal year, we are getting applicants but it will be tough to make mission before the year is up. Due to my rank I'm the station commander so i only handle a recruit here and there personally. How about you, I'm surprised that you haven't been assigned a boat yet."
"There is a shortage is available boats at the moment so I've been rotated to teach at the local diesel school until a position opens up. However I've received a letter that instructed me to report to Kiel in a couple of weeks so that might change, its not a typical assignment notice though"
"You'll find out soon enough" Wally chuckled. "Higher ups seem to get quite an enjoyment in keeping us dark"
As the hours went by we discussed about anything we could think of. He asked about Julie and I told him that she simply broke up with me out of nowhere via telephone and now I don't want anything to do with her.
"That explained why you haven't returned her letters" Wally said.
"Ja, I simply toss them in the firepla........ hey how did you know about them"?
"She tried to get a hold of you through me knowing that we are good friends. I always told her I'm oblivious to your whereabouts, she hasn't mentioned what happened between you two".
"well the past is the past, do you have anybody draining your wallet"?
"Nien, and I intend on keeping my marks safe"
We burst out laughing. Some people never change after all these years. We bid farewell well into the morning twilight and yet again I collapsed into bed.
--few weeks later--
Ok bag is packed, ticket in coat pocket, gave all perishable food to next door neighbor, seems that all is in order. I looked around my apartment one last time and grabbed the uniform cap as the door closed. 7 hours later I walked into the adjutant's office.
"I have an appointment with Konteradmiral Hoft"
I showed him my ID and was told to sit down and wait. And wait I did. After what seems to be 45 minutes Hoft walked in.
"Ah so you must be Rienhart Hagemann"
Clicks heals and salutes "Yes Admiral"
We walked into his office and told me to sit down as he offered a drink. Not a typical meeting this is turning out to be. He sat down and pulled out my personal file.
"You have been selected from a group of 45 commanders that recently graduated. You earned top marks in theoretical coursework and practical examinations. Prior to that you served with distinction on board U-31 as one of the leading engineering NCO's. You seem to get well with others and perform with excellent efficiency while under great pressure. However it seems that you are a bit restless teaching at the diesel engineering school."
"Yes sir, I haven't pictured myself stationed on land in the Navy"
Hoft smiled as he sipped the last of his drink.
"Whats the longest time you spent underwater on board U-31"? Hoft asked.
"8 hours sir" was my reply.
"What I'm about to say and offer you shall not leave this room, under penalty of 40 years in the Hamburg stockade"
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